A Trick For Making Your Favorite White T-Shirt More Sun-Protective

When the weather finally gets warm like it is today, I start to live in my favorite white T-shirts and jeans (hey, celebs do it too!). But I never really thought about how much sun protection each of those two spring staples offer. Curious to know the answer?

When the weather finally gets warm like it is today, I start to live in my favorite white T-shirts and jeans (hey, celebs do it too!). But I never really thought about how much sun protection each of those two spring staples offer. Curious to know the answer?

NEW YORK - JULY 6: Actress Blake Lively films on location for "Gossip Girl" on the streets of Manhattan July 6, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage)

WireImage

Hope Blake doesn't get burned in her flimsy white T-shirt!

According to dermatologist Jennifer Linder, M.D., who I just interviewed for an article, the average white tee offers the equivalent of about SPF 3 to 5. (Though they actually call sun protection "UPF" when it relates to clothing, and these days you'll find sun-protective pieces that bear this rating right on the tag.) Dark-wash denim jeans, on the other hand, offer the equivalent of about SPF 100.

The white T-shirt numbers freak me out a little, since I rarely layer sunscreen on my burn-prone chest or upper back on days when I'm wearing a tee (versus a skimpier sundress or bathing suit). And these days, so many tops have a super-thin weave (case in point: my current favorites, Liz Lange Long & Lean maternity tanks from Target!). Here's the good news: You can buy laundry detergent that adds the equivalent of SPF 30 to your clothes (the treatment lasts for about 20 washes). The stuff is derm- and Skin Cancer Foundation-approved, and I think I might just give it a try this season.

What about you--would you consider washing your favorite white tees and tanks in special UV-protective detergent? Or would you rather just put on sunscreen underneath? Or do you think the fabric is offering you protection enough? Let's discuss!